EveryLibrary Institute Announces New Editorial Board Members for The Political Librarian

A board of library professionals dedicated to advocacy and policy research will serve in editorial roles for EveryLibrary Institute’s academic journal. 

EveryLibrary Institute is proud to announce the list of distinguished professionals from the library field who will serve as the editorial board of the open-access political journal, The Political Librarian. The Political Librarian focuses on the intersection of local libraries, public policy, education policy, and tax policy. It aims to expand the library advocacy and activism discussion while promoting research and new ideas about library policy and funding issues. The journal biannually publishes opinion pieces, research papers, and peer-reviewed materials related to public policy and tax policy issues that affect libraries.

The Political Librarian Editorial Board 

Nichole Beers, EdD., Library Media Specialist in the Clark County School District, Clark County, NV 

Before completing her doctoral research at Grand Canyon University, Nichole Beer earned degrees from the University of Birmingham, UK, and The University of Nevada, Reno. Her research focused on Collection Development Practices of Latinx Picture Books in public school libraries. Nichole previously taught English Composition at Nevada State University. Her reputation for justice and access to school libraries earned her the nickname "Pitbull" from her superintendent, while others describe her as "passionate." Nichole describes herself as "the kid who couldn't have made it without libraries." 

Chris Brown, MLIS, MPA, Library Commissioner for the Chicago Public Library, Chicago, IL  

Chris Brown is a visionary leader who serves as Library Commissioner for the Chicago Public Library (CPL), where he has focused on equity and expanded access. He established the first Book Sanctuary movement. He also forged impactful partnerships to address public health concerns. He championed the creation of a new mental health liaison position. Brown's transformative leadership has established CPL as a model of accessibility, innovation, and community empowerment.

Anthony Chow, Ph.D., Director of San Jose State University iSchool, San Jose, CA

Anthony Chow is a highly experienced Full Professor with expertise in higher education. He specializes in online learning, instructional technology, libraries and information science, systems design, and strategic planning. In addition, he has skills in leadership, management, analytics, informatics, and organizational management. Dr. Chow holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Instructional Technology/Instructional Systems/Human Performance from Florida State University.

Nicole Cooke, MLIS, M.Ed., Ph.D., Augusta Baker Endowed Chair at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

Nicole Cooke is an accomplished educator and researcher with extensive experience in the library industry. She holds a B.A. in Communication, an MLS, and a Ph.D. in Communication, Information, and Library Studies, all from Rutgers University, and an M.Ed. in Adult Education from Pennsylvania State University. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the 2016 ALA Equality Award and the 2017 ALA Achievement in Library Diversity Research Award. She has published several books, including "Fake News and Alternative Facts: Information Literacy in a Post-truth Era." 

Rose T. Dawson, MLS, CPM, Executive Director of the Alexandria Library, Alexandra, VA

Rose Timmons Dawson has worked in various District of Columbia Public Library positions. She holds undergraduate and master's degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Rose is a certified racial healing practitioner and a life member of the American Library Association (ALA) and the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA). She has received several awards for her contributions to the library profession, including the UNC-CH School of Information and Library Science Distinguished Alumni Award and the BCALA Distinguished Service to the Library Profession Award. Under her leadership, the Alexandria Library received the 2020 American Library Association's John Cotton Dana Award and the 2020 American Library Association's Excellence in Library Programming Award.

Ewa Dziedzic Elliott, MLIS, Education Librarian at the R. Barbara Gitenstein Library at The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township, NJ

Ewa Dziedzic Elliott has previously worked as a School Library Media Center Specialist for Lawrence Township Public Schools and South Brunswick Township School District in New Jersey. Ewa holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Rutgers. She has a certification as a School Library Media Specialist (SLMS). She has contributed several research papers to scholarly, peer-reviewed journals and has received awards for her work. Ewa has also written essays and articles for popular media outlets such as School Library Connection.

Christopher Harris, EdD., Director of the School Library System for the Genesee Valley BOCES, Genesee County, NY

As the Director of the School Library System for the Genesee Valley BOCES, Christopher Harris supports 22 small, rural districts in Western NY. Dr. Harris has received various accolades for his contributions to the field, including recognition as a participant in the first American Library Association Emerging Leaders program in 2007 and as a Library Journal Mover and Shaker in 2008. In 2022, he was named a Senior Fellow for the American Library Association for school libraries and youth policy issues. Dr. Harris holds an Ed.D. from St. John Fisher College. For his dissertation research, he researched helping teachers become more confident in teaching computer science.

Jonathan Harris, MLIS, Director of the Portage County District Library, Garrettsville, OH 

Jonathan Harris has served on the Intellectual Freedom Committee and P.R./Marketing Action Council for the Ohio Library Council. He holds an MLIS from Kent State University and a B.S. in Journalism from Ohio University, where he specialized in Public Relations and Political Communication. He has presented at conferences and staff development days on professional ethics, policy, intellectual freedom, and political messaging. His advocacy work has been featured in both local and national media outlets. He co-authored the introductory chapter of "Millennial Leadership in Libraries" with his father, a retired library director.

Slaven Lee, MLIS, Director of the Missoula Public Library, Missoula, MT 

For 20+ years, Slaven Lee has drawn upon equity and inclusion frameworks to deliver exceptional patron experiences, build meaningful community relationships, and develop innovative services in public libraries. Slaven has held leadership roles in library systems serving rural and urban communities, including the King County Library System (Washington), Queens Public Library (New York City), and the Austin Public Library (Texas). Slaven has been the Executive Director of the award-winning Missoula Public Library in Montana since April 2022 and is excited to have implemented a new strategic plan focusing on community engagement. Slaven is an advocate for ending hunger and is the current Chair of the Missoula Food Bank and Community Center board.

Noah Lenstra, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Library and Information Science at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 

Noah Lenstra is a library and information science scholar, educator, and activist passionate about community engagement, social justice, and public libraries. He founded Let's Move in Libraries, a global initiative connecting public libraries with community health and wellness initiatives. Dr. Lenstra's research focuses on public libraries, community engagement, health information literacy, and physical activity promotion. He strongly advocates for libraries' role in promoting health and well-being. He has published several articles, books, and reports on the topic.